Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe psychotic mental disorder. Symptoms include hallucinations, lack of motivation, disorganised speech, delusions, and trouble thinking. There is no cure for schizophrenia, but with the correct treatment, these signs can be greatly improved. People often confuse schizophrenia with other mental disorders like split personalities or multiple personalities. In men, the first episode of this condition usually occurs between 18 and 25 years of age, while in females, it occurs initially from 25 to 30 years of age. People with schizophrenia are more likely to have other health conditions like heart disease or obesity.
To understand schizophrenia, it is important to know the terminologies associated with it.
Schizophrenia Terminology to Know
Some of the schizophrenia terminologies are given below:
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Psychosis
Psychosis is a term used to define a collection of symptoms in which a person’s thinking sometimes becomes completely out of touch with reality. Due to disruptions in the information processing by the brain, people experiencing psychotic episodes have difficulty understanding reality. For example, a person may see people or smell things that do not exist.
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Hallucinations
Hallucinations are experiences in which an affected person may feel, hear, or see things or people that are not present. In schizophrenia, hearing voices that are not present is the most common type of hallucination.
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Delusions
Delusions are false beliefs formed by the sufferer even when others believe them to be false and enough evidence is present that the belief is not true. For example, schizophrenic people may believe that someone may harm or harass them.
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Disorganised and abnormal motor behaviour
In this condition, people show abnormal behaviours and movements, either becoming unusually active or showing childlike behaviours like giggling, making odd faces, making gestures, and engaging in purposeful repeated movements.
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Disorganised thinking and speech
In this symptom, thoughts and speech do not make sense. For example, during a conversation, a person may switch from one topic to another or an irrelevant topic. This hampers effective, normal communication.
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Negative symptoms
People suffering from this psychotic disorder may abnormally lack some of their normal behaviours. For example, reduced speech output, desire to engage in daily activities or social contact and feeling of pleasure, impaired emotional expression, etc.
Conclusion
Schizophrenia is a severe, chronic psychotic brain disorder where individuals lose touch with reality. Disconnection from reality in schizophrenia can occur due to a mental or physical condition. Schizophrenia cannot be cured, but some medicines can help relieve the symptoms of this condition. It is vital to consult a healthcare insurer if someone is suffering from psychosis.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.
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